Remove sanding pad on a Festool RO 150 E

[meldgaard]

Hi

Just bought an old Rotex 150 E - that is the previous model' from a fellow FOG. As it 'rattles' a little or ''gnarls' when running I thought of giving it maintenance run over before starting to use it.

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My problem is when trying to remove the sanding pad. The new Rotex FEQ model comes with a build in spindle lock and tool-free handling, but the old E model has an old fashioned unbraco screw and a supplied screwdriver. When trying to turn the screw the pad of course turns as well and I wonder whether there are anybody on the forum that got a trick up their sleeve   Or am I left with good old 'bruteforceandmusclewhatever...'

 

[bronx]

With my ETS 150 I use (some) brute force:

Lay it down on the side, use a large unbacho and give it a firm "twist" while trying to hold the sanding pad. Sometimes I make the unbacho longer by using a metal tube or similar.

Good luck! I hope you get it done.

Thomas

 

[meldgaard]

Hi Thomas

Thanks a lot - Its now off and I can move on digging my way in to the inner parts ...

/Bjoern

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Just bought an old Rotex 150 E - that is the previous model' from a fellow FOG. As it 'rattles' a little or ''gnarls' when running I thought of giving it maintenance run over before starting to use it.

Glad you've now got the pad off, but bear in mind that the Rotex can sound a bit growly even at the best of times. See, for example, the thread at http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=444.0

What you are hearing might therefore be quite normal - any chance you can listen to another one for comparison?

Forrest

 

[meldgaard]

Hi Forest

Thanks for your reply - and You are absolutely right! I had the same thought after posting.

My very first Festool was a Festo RS3 which nowadays is called RS300E i think. It was back in 1997 and I bought it when my old and uber rattle-and-roll Bosch sander finally broke down. The RS3 was nothing but a miracle. Smooth oh so very smooth sailing and it has since costed me a fortune. Not in repairs 'cause it still keeps sanding as good as ever. But that was when I was exposed to and infected by the dreaded F-virus  ;D

Anyhow, when googling for "Rotex noise" I found Matthew's Rotex 125 review on Festools homepage. In the review Matthew writes:

"In the aggressive-sanding mode, the RO 125 and the RO 150 (and any other right-angle sander I have
ever used) is rather noisy. There is a mix of a high-pitched motor whining along with a mechanical
grinding sound."

It must have been that very sound that put me a little back when listening to it the first time. Normally I would go directly and inspect every ball bearing if possible when hearing a sound like this, but after listening to as many video soundbites as possible and looking at the tooth's on the gear-wheels I think you are right. It probably sounds like this.

This is not the first Festool I by second hand and I always try and part it for an initial clean-up and health estimate before starting to use it. Some tools are obviously easier to take apart so lets see how deep I go this time.

A final question though: Any recommendations on which grease I should use when assembling the gearbox again?